Former Chelsea winger Willian has opened up about the current players at his old club he wishes he had the chance to play alongside, showing admiration for the new generation of Chelsea talent.
In a recent interview featured on FIFA’s official website, the Brazilian reflected on his memorable years at Stamford Bridge while praising the standout stars now making headlines for the Blues.
Willian, now 36 and playing for Fulham, spent the most successful phase of his football career at Chelsea between 2013 and 2020. Over those seven years, he made 339 appearances and netted 63 goals in all competitions, earning a reputation for his speed, creativity, work ethic, and knack for scoring vital goals when it mattered most.
During his time with the club, Willian won several major trophies, including two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the UEFA Europa League. Although he left Chelsea for Arsenal and later joined Fulham, it’s clear from his words that Chelsea still holds a special place in his heart.
When asked to name the current Chelsea players he would have loved to share the pitch with, Willian didn’t hesitate. He picked Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández first, describing them as exceptionally talented players. He then added Moises Caicedo to the list, acknowledging the midfielder’s importance in Chelsea’s current setup.
With a fond smile, Willian also mentioned Reece James but noted that he had already enjoyed playing alongside the talented right-back during his final days at the club. His selection reflects the type of smart, skillful, and technically sharp footballers he’s naturally drawn to.
Cole Palmer, a young attacking talent, has quickly made a name for himself since joining Chelsea, impressing with his creativity, confidence, and football intelligence. Enzo Fernández, a World Cup-winning Argentine midfielder, brings a composed and tactically astute presence to the Chelsea midfield — attributes Willian clearly values. Moises Caicedo, known for his defensive strength and relentless energy, rounds out the trio, offering balance and grit to Chelsea’s engine room.
These three players have played crucial roles for Chelsea at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, delivering strong performances that have helped the team progress. Their influence hasn’t gone unnoticed, with praise from fans, pundits, and former legends like Willian.
His remarks highlight how football bridges generations, with veterans celebrating the promise of today’s rising stars. As Chelsea continues its rebuilding journey, endorsements from respected ex-players like Willian offer both motivation and validation for the club’s next chapter.
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